Ofege - How Do You Feel (180g white vinyl, Ltd. 200 copies)

Ofege was formed in the early 1970s by a bunch of teenage hippies at the prestigious St. Gregory's College in the Obalende area of Lagos Nigeria. Ofege was largely influenced by the guitar solos of Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Francis Rossi, and the criss-cross rhythms of Osibisa. At home, they were influenced by the music of ‘BLO’ (Berkley Jones, Laolu Akins and Mike Odumosu), ‘Monomono’ (led by Joni Haastrup), The Funkees, and Ofo The Black Company. Comband Razor said "It's clear that for Ofege, songs were largely incidental, little more than excuses to launch into insane, distorted guitar solos. It's also very clear that they smoked a lot of weed." Their first album was recorded while the band members were still in high school (average age of 16), Ofege’s debut album "Try And Love" was originally recorded and released in 1973. Due to their vibrant combo of sweet harmonies, hooks & fuzz, they would become one of the most legendary Nigerian groups of all time, with impressive sales and national stardom. However, with only four albums released until 1978 and no recognition outside Nigeria, Ofege’s short career would only be rediscovered with the turn of the century. Their third album, "Nobody Fails," continues in the same vein as their first two with slight post-60s harmony vocals. This is especially notable on tracks like "It's Not Easy," where the fuzz breaks out/breaks free, wild and uncompromising, while the complex, insistent African rhythms carry the song along smoothly. The bits of funky elements are completely dissolved in the overall psychedelic effect. "The Last Of The Origins" is a great funk-rock record with a rather psychedelic approach. The rhythm section is attractive and complex and has African inspirations. The lyrics aren’t particlulary inspired, but the drive is incredible, and they draw attention to instrumental parts wherever they can. The psychedelic organ takes care of the mind-losing groove, while fuzz guitars soar and improvise. The 60s influenced vocals can be reminiscent of the Stones, or just leave themselves flooding with the psychedelic drive. It took some years before other albums appeared since some band members still had to finish university. Its Members included; Melvin Noks: Lead Vocals/Rhythm. Paul Alade: Bass Guitar. Mike Meme: Drums. Soga Benson: Lead/Solo Guitar. Felix Ijeh: Rhythm/Tenor Guitar. Dapo Olumide: Keyboards. Felix Inneh: Percussionist.

Released: 2020-02-14

Label: Tidal Waves Music

Country: US

Tracklist

A1	World Peace
A2	Burning Jungle
A3	Check It Out
A4	Bomp Your Booty
A5	Take Your Mind Away
B1	How Do You Feel
B2	Ideal Situation
B3	Naira Power
B4	Nature Queen
B5	Frustration